Scholarship Opportunities

Transylvania University offers a generous scholarship program.

Academic

Fine Arts

STEM

Religious

Other

How to Apply

Academic Scholarships

Transylvania offers an extensive academic scholarship program. While academic
credentials are most important, Transylvania considers all the elements of your
application (essay, letters of recommendation, involvement, and leadership) when
awarding scholarships.

Students who wish to be considered for the William T. Young, Kenan, and Trustee
Scholarships must apply by December 1. All other scholarships require application
by February 1.

The chart below allows you to estimate your scholarship award. For a more
complete estimate, visit the Net Price Calculator.

Some students who qualify for Transylvania's top scholarship levels will be invited to participate
in Transylvania's Premier Scholarship Program. Premier Scholarship finalists will interview on campus in
February to compete for William T. Young, Kenan, and Trustee Scholarships.

Kenan and Trustee
$70,000 ($17,500/year) to
$80,000 ($20,000/year)

Presidents
$68,000 ($17,000/year)

Eligibility based on application materials,
ACT or SAT (CR+M) score, and GPA.

Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 to qualify for academic scholarships. Transfer students must complete the application for admission to be considered for academic scholarships. Scholarships range in value from $7,500 to $12,000 and are renewable. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Fine Arts Scholarships

Transylvania University is a destination for the arts. Nestled in the heart of a vibrant cultural center, Transylvania offers countless opportunities to participate in the arts and learn in a liberal arts environment. Whether you plan to major in a fine arts field, nurture artistic passion as a side interest, or explore new means of self-expression, we invite you to leave your mark on Transylvania’s long and rich artistic tradition.

Governor’s School for the Arts

All Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts participants receive a guaranteed minimum award of $10,000 per year. Students who qualify for more scholarships and grant aid will receive the larger amount.

Fine Arts Departmental Scholarships

Students may compete for awards of up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years) in fine arts scholarships. These scholarships are available for non-majors, majors, and minors, and may be combined with other academic awards. Applicants must be admitted to the university before being considered for Fine Arts scholarships.

The admission application deadline for fine arts scholarships is February 1.
Auditions, portfolio reviews, and interviews are held each February.

Music and Music Technology Scholarships — Awarded to non-majors, majors, and minors, these scholarships require ensemble participation and private lessons. Find out more and apply.

Theater Scholarships — Awarded to non-majors, majors, and minors, these scholarships are open to acting and stage production students. They require participation in one major production per year. Find out more and apply.

Art and Art History Scholarships — These scholarships are awarded only to majors and minors. Find out more and apply.

STEM Scholars Program

Students who plan to major in one of the STEM disciplines at Transylvania (biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, or a self-designed major in the sciences) may be eligible to participate in the STEM Scholars Program. STEM scholars receive financial assistance as well as academic and peer support to ensure they have a solid foundation for a career in a science, technology, or engineering field. Transylvania offers 15 scholarships valued at up to $5,000 per year each, depending on financial need.

Students who wish to be considered for the STEM Scholars Program must apply by December 1.

Visit the STEM Scholars Page for more information about eligibility and the application requirements.

Religious Leadership Scholarship

Awarded on basis of religious leadership, intellectual promise, and a commitment to social justice. Students will participate in regular service events and will have additional opportunities for travel and internships. Requires a separate application by February 1.Read more »

Christian Church Scholarships

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Transylvania University have been partners in education since 1865. As a result of this historic relationship, several scholarship opportunities are available to members of a DOC congregation.

Church membership must be verified by your minister by February 1 of your senior year The Cane Ridge Scholarships, Guy & Nell Waldrop Disciples Leadership Scholarships, and Disciples Chalice Grants require a letter of recommendation from a minister. If you are eligible for multiple Disciples awards, only the highest award may be offered.

Cane Ridge Scholarships (up to 4)

Awarded to Christian Church DOC) entering students who have demonstrated exceptional national leadership in the church and who are exploring a church vocation. Scholarships are renewable if recipients maintain a 2.6 GPA and are actively involved in church ministries or activities. (up to $5,000)

Guy & Nell Waldrop Disciples Leadership Scholarships (up to 5)

Awarded to Christian Church (DOC) entering students who have demonstrated exceptional regional leadership in the church. Scholarships are renewable if recipients maintain a 2.6 GPA and are actively involved in church ministries or activities. (up to $3,000)

Disciples Chalice Grants

Awarded to Christian Church (DOC) entering students who are recommended by their minister and who demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (need-based award of up to $1,000)

Minister’s Dependent Grants

Available to dependents of ministers or missionaries who earn their primary salary in Christian Church (DOC) or United Church of Christ ministries or vocations. Students must also demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA. (need-based award of up to $2,000)

Other Scholarships

Transylvania offers many other scholarships for designated groups of students. Students who wish to be considered for these scholarships must submit their application for admission by February 1.

Trailblazers

Up to $40,000 ($10,000/year)
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic success and intellectual engagement, leadership, and service experiences, as well as contributions to racial and ethnic diversity. Students will be invited to interview in late February/early March.

Frontier

Up to $16,000 ($4,000/year)
Awarded on the basis of achievement outside the classroom. Frontier Scholars may demonstrate excellence through community engagement, persistence, determination, creativity, entrepreneurship, or commitment to a principal or cause. Students interview on campus in February. Students awarded a Young, Kenan, or Trustee Scholarship cannot be considered for the Frontier Scholarship.

National Merit Finalists

National Merit Finalists who list Transylvania as their first-choice school with the National Merit Corporation receive a $5,000 annual scholarship ($20,000 over four years). This scholarship can be combined with other Transylvania scholarships but must be applied to Transylvania charges.

Governor's Scholars

All Kentucky Governor's scholars receive a guaranteed minimum award of $14,000 per year. Students who qualify for more scholarships and grant aid will receive the larger amount.

ROTC Scholarships

Army ROTC Scholarships offer tuition and fees for up to $18,000, a $600 textbook allowance, and a $250 tax-free monthly stipend during the academic year for each year the student is a recipient. In addition, Transylvania will provide to each three- and four-year recipient at least the value of room and board. (This may be a combination of scholarships and grants.)Recipients must enroll in Army ROTC courses, which are taught in partnership with the University of Kentucky on its campus. Upon graduation, recipients receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. For more information contact the Army ROTC office at (859) 257-6865 or visit UK ROTC website.

Air Force ROTC Scholarships, through a partnership with the University of Kentucky, offer two- to four-year college scholarships in all majors. All Air Force scholarships are capped at various amounts: Type 1 has no cap, Type 2 is capped at $15,000, and Type 7 is capped at $9,000. Recipients receive a $900 textbook allowance and a $300-500 tax-free monthly stipend during the academic year. In addition, Transylvania will provide to each three- and four-year recipient at least the value of room and board. (This may be a combination of scholarships and grants.) Upon graduation, recipients receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. For more information contact the Air Force ROTC office at (859) 257-7115 or visit UK Air Force ROTC website.

Transylvania Endowment Grants

Transylvania offers grants that are based on merit and financial need. If applicants are interested in these grants they will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Tuition Exchange Scholarships

Only family members of employees of the colleges and universities that belong to Tuition Exchange, Inc. are eligible to apply for Tuition Exchange scholarships. Please visit Tuition Exchange’s Website for more information.

How to Apply

To be considered for our merit-based scholarships, students only need to submit an application for admission. Scholarships awarded on the basis of academic merit are renewed automatically each year if the student maintains the conditions of the scholarship.

We highly encourage all students interested in merit-based scholarships to apply by December 1. Students who apply prior to December 1 will be notified of their admission and scholarship status by mid-January.

Transylvania University admits students regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other classification protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.